2003
Section C, Page 2
Current Opinions         1A
Lit/Writing                   1B
The Other Arts            1C
Links                           1D
Misc.                            1E
con't. from page 1C

     In addition to the professionalism and clean set, the production succeeded in becoming a piece of art both separate and a part of Shakespeare’s original work.  The very crispness of the set and professionalism of the actors showcased the piece, allowing audience members to focus on the dialogue instead of showy scenery.  In addition, the expert and impassioned delivery of the lines added artistry to the work - often absent when the play is simply read aloud or performed in a more formal manner.  Charlie Flynn-McIver, in his performance of Hamlet, was especially able deliver the eloquent words of Shakespeare in such a manner that it expressed emotion and sounded “real” without losing the beauty of the work.  Also notable was Kermit Brown’s portrayal of the gravedigger.  Despite the loftiness of the language, Brown was able to use larger-than-life gestures and accent to bring his earthy character to life while maintaining the integrity of the production and the piece.
      Once a piece is proven to have artistic merit, it can still fail to transcend historical context.  The Christian Bible is a great example of a piece that has trouble with this, as those studying it find it difficult to differentiate between cultural and historical practices and things that are meant to apply to everyone at all times.   NCSC’s production, in addition to having artistic merit, also transcends historical context in costuming, props, set, themes, and line delivery.  Where most productions call for the actors to dress in Shakespearean costume and carry a sword (often a rapier), NCSC’s production was quite different.  The actors dressed modernly (Hamlet in the traditional black) in suits, khakis, and floral print.  Instead of swords, they carried guns and cell phones and fought with fencing foils. Plastic sheeting, metal chairs, and concrete blocks were used, adding to the modernity.                        =>
    The themes expressed in Shakespeare’s work and showcased by the NCSC continue to apply today.  Everyone can relate to betrayal, suicide, lost love, right versus wrong, war, etc.  No one is certain what to do or how to react when their entire world turns upside down.  Everyone asks “why are we here,” and everyone loses control and makes mistakes (as when Hamlet misjudges Ophelia and then later kills Polonius).  In addition to the accessibility of the themes, the expert delivery of lines that are often misunderstood in their complexity greatly contributes to the success of the production’s transcendence.  The NCSC actors seemed to know exactly how to emphasize and emote in a way that modern audiences can understand.  In this, NCSC surpassed actors like Kenneth Branagh, whose formal grasp of the language is admirable but often inaccessible.  The actors also surpassed actor Mel Gibson, whose often-bumbling recitation is a hindrance to understanding.
     Through the North Carolina Stage Company’s showcasing of Shakespeare and the production’s artistic merit, “Hamlet” has transcended historical context.  This proves, that through the use of modern inflection and the application of relevant themes, the arts can and do transcend historical context.
Religion                        1F